• Royce Fellowship
Sophie
Duncan

Concentration 

Environmental Studies; Classics

Award Year 

2015
Patterns of Plant Destruction: Earthworms and Illuminations

Faculty Sponsors: Joseph M Pucci and Timothy Whitfeld

Invasive earthworms have the potential to impact plant diversity in New England forests. Sophie researched and identified the plant families most vulnerable to invasive earthworms thus exposing patterns of plant destruction. In addition to researching invasive earthworms, Sophie produced a set of illuminated manuscripts that document the patterns of plant diversity in invaded forests.

Sophie is dedicated botanist and ecologist. She is also committed to the intersection between social justice and STEM fields. Currently, Sophie is the Land Management Intern at Chicago Botanic Garden.